Search - Mike Stephens Project :: Half Past Autumn

MSP was conceived in August 1988, from a fund raising event for former Lt. Governor of Virginia, Douglas Wilder. Several local talented musicians have worked with the group over the last 10 years. It was not until October 1991, that the group realized the perfect synergy of saxophonist, Michael Stephens of Philadelphia, PA and bassist Deginal Boykin of Washington, D.C. This dynamic duo was solely responsible for the explosion that unfolded as a result of their 1994 debut CD, "Basically Speaking." Performing with them include the phenomenal keyboard styling of Dawould Said of Kenya, Africa and the awesome percussion work of Vinton Jones, of Washington, D.C. Group influences include Grover Washington Jr., Marcus Miller, Joe Sample, and Lenny White. With combined backgrounds in Jazz, R&B, Funk and Gospel, their arrangements demand a must-see, must-hear again response from their audiences! This fusion of high energy and talent is the key to their success. MSP has performed in many local and national venues such as the legendary Blues Alley of Georgetown. They have also opened for vocalist's Keith Washington and Regina Bell at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC and at Baltimore's Lyric Opera House. In addition, they have performed at Washington, DC's Capital Jazz Fest along with such artists as The Yellow Jackets, Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Bobby Caldwell, and Ramsey Lewis. In addition, they performed at the Baltimore Jazz Festival with The Rippington's. Locally they have shared the stage with such legendaries as Ahmad Jamal, Jennifer Holiday and Etta James. MSP has most recently performed at the grand opening of the BET Sound Stage along with vocalists Cassandra Wilson and Kenny Lattimore. Please welcome The Mike Stephens Project as they embark upon a new musical journey their latest release, "Half Past Autumn."